Sure-Handed Win

Tom Brady threw for four touchdowns all to his tight ends, with three going to perennial target Rob Gronkowski, as the Super Bowl champion Patriots beat the Steelers 28-21 in the season opener.

The Patriots followed a festive pre-game celebration of their 4th championship by doing exactly what they’re built to do. Brady picked apart the Steelers secondary all night, going 25 for 32 for 286 yards one week after a federal judge picked up the flag on the Roger Goodell’s four-game suspension in the deflategate scandal.

Patriots tight end Gronkowski tallied 3 scores of 16, 6, and 1 yard catches. He also recovered running back Dion Lewis’ fumble at the 1-yard line, to set up his third TD of the night.

Brady set a franchise record with 19 consecutive completions in his 23rd game with four or more touchdown passes, third all-time along with Green Bay legend Brett Favre.